Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Treatment depends on tumor type, stage, and molecular markers like hormone receptors and HER2 status. Many people now receive targeted therapies matched to their tumor's biology, and survival rates have improved substantially over the past three decades.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, CDK4/6 inhibitors for hormone-positive disease, new HER2-targeted drugs including bispecific antibodies, immunotherapy combinations for triple-negative breast cancer, and ways to avoid or reduce chemotherapy in early-stage disease. Researchers are also studying PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated cancers and newer targeted drugs for specific mutations.
Antibody-drug conjugates
These drugs attach chemotherapy to an antibody that seeks out cancer cells, limiting damage to healthy tissue. Trastuzumab deruxtecan and sacituzumab govitecan are FDA-approved, and newer versions are in testing.
De-escalation trials
Studies are testing whether some people with early-stage breast cancer can skip chemotherapy based on genomic tests or response to hormone therapy. The goal is to avoid unnecessary treatment without compromising cure rates.
Triple-negative advances
Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab now work for some triple-negative breast cancers, especially when combined with chemotherapy. Trials are testing new immune combinations and drugs targeting specific vulnerabilities in these tumors.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on breast cancer subtype (hormone receptor status, HER2 status, triple-negative), stage, prior treatments, and sometimes specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new targeted drugs, immunotherapies, or chemotherapy combinations to see if they work better than current standard treatments.
- Prevention trials — Studies testing drugs or lifestyle changes to prevent breast cancer in people at higher risk, including those with BRCA mutations.
- De-escalation trials — Testing whether some people can receive less intensive treatment — such as skipping chemotherapy or reducing radiation — without worse outcomes.
- Neoadjuvant trials — Giving treatment before surgery to shrink tumors, which also lets researchers see how well the cancer responds.
- Biomarker studies — Testing whether genetic markers or other features can predict which treatments will work best for each person's tumor.
Recently added Breast Cancer trials
Optimal Application Timing of ADC Drugs for Advanced Breast Cancer
This study plans to initiate a prospective, randomized controlled trial to investigate the optimal timing of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) therapy in the management of advanced Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. Primary Objective: To compare the difference in PFS2 (Time from randomization to disease progression after second therapy) between antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) followed by chemotherapy versus chemotherapy followed by ADC in the treatment of advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. Secondary Objectives: To compare overall survival (OS), adverse events, patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness between the two treatment sequences. Additionally, to identify potential biomarkers predictive of benefit from frontline ADC therapy.
A Mixed-Methods Metabolomics Investigation of Lifestyle and Energy Balance During Breast Cancer Survivorship
The MILES Study is a longitudinal, mixed-methods investigation of urinary biomarkers, energy balance, and lifestyle modifications in diverse women during early breast cancer treatment. The study's overarching goal is to assess dietary quality and physical activity changes over time using reliable, scalable tools suitable for clinical or population settings, supporting newly diagnosed patients in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors through treatment and survivorship.
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